foot problem

Question
QUESTION: hello sir, may i know why to use steel shoes instead of aluminium shoes in race

ANSWER: hi ---- we use steel shoes to train and aluminum shoes to race in. if your horse has a specific foot problem then you may need to use steel, but aluminum shoes are preferred for racing.  thanks ED HESS

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello sir, may i know what kind of hoof problems? and why cant an aluminium shoe help to correct hoof problems instead of steel shoe?

Answer
HI -- WHEN A HORSE WALKS , GALLOPS OR TROTS, HE ALWAYS LANDS ON HIS FOOT HEEL FIRST. NOW STEEL SHOES WILL HELP TO KEEP THE FOOT FROM SPREADING OUT TOO MUCH AND I USE THEM IN TRAINING BEFORE THEY ACTUALLY RACE. ALUMINUM SHOES WILL GIVE A LITTLE  WHEN THE HORSES FOOT HITS THE GROUND, MORE THEN STEEL ,ALLOWING THE FOOT TO SPREAD OUT AND CONTRACT BACK MORE READILY. IF YOU HAVE A HORSE WITH SAY A BROKEN BONE THAT HAS HEALED, THEN YOU WOULD USE A STEEL SHOE, MAYBE A BAR SHOE WHEN TRAINING AND RACING. HORSES GET BRUISES AND CRACKS IN THE HOOFS AND THOSE PROBLEMS CAN TAKE THE HORSE RIGHT OUT OF TRAINING TILL YOU CLEAR UP THAT PROBLEM. I ALWAYS RACE IN ALUMINUM SHOES SHOES.  THANKS Ed Hess